MESA, Ariz.  Young prospects are lucky to get an occasional at-bat or inning to pitch at this point in the spring, but this As team is different.

With so many touted prospects in the organization, the club has not been afraid to throw their youngsters into the fire against major league competition.

Sunday was Jesus Luzardos turn.

Luzardo, 20, is the No. 2 prospect in the organization. The left-handed pitcher had an astonishing 48-to-5 K/BB ratio in 43 1/3 innings pitched last season. Making his second appearance of the spring and his first start, Luzardo impressed in 2 1/3 innings of work, allowing no runs on two hits with two strikeouts in a 14-0 win over the White Sox.

He was impressive again, manager Bob Melvin said. Maybe a couple of breaking balls that stayed in the middle of the plate for him and they got some hits. But he was poised and throwing 95 with some movement. He makes it look pretty easy for a young kid.

Having pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn a save in a win over the Rangers a couple of weeks ago, Luzardo said he felt more nerves that time than he did coming into Sundays start. Having had that taste of big league action under his belt, things felt more normal for him on the mound.

I was really feeling all my pitches and keeping the ball down, Luzardo said. I was struggling a little bit in my last outing but overall I was feeling good and feeling healthy. Cant complain.

Luzardo was acquired from the Nationals last season in a trade for relief pitchers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson. Sheldon Neuse was the other player the As received in that deal.

While his listed position is third base, Neuse has seen a lot of playing time at second base this spring. Its unknown what position awaits the six-foot, 195 pound slugger at the big league level, but Neuses bat should get him there pretty soon.

Neuse, 23, leads the team with five home runs and 15 RBIs this spring. He continued his impressive offensive display against White Sox pitcher James Shields, going 2 for 3 with five RBIs, including a booming three-run homer to left-center.

Though Neuses power has been something to marvel at, Melvin has been more impressed with his commitment to his approach at the plate. After going through a mini three-game slump earlier in the week, Melvin was interested to see if Neuse would try to change his approach, a common occurrence with young players. Melvin said Neuse stuck to his plan, and the results paid off.

It really is unbelievable, Melvin said. After he had three games in a row where he struggled a little bit, he stayed with his approach. Every at-bat. Every game. Its a very advanced approach.